Let’s be honest, we all hate when prices for things we enjoy increase, but that’s life.
Unfortunately for the Northern Hockey School and Director Isaac Davies, that will be the case.
Earlier this week, a letter was provided to Smithers Town Council from Davies stating he would like to see their rate gradually increase over time.
“The town is currently proposing to increase ice costs as much as $100 per hour from our original rate. The Northern Hockey School is a valuable economic contributor and this ice rental increase will affect the viability of the camp.”
“When the business switched ownership two years ago, the Northern Hockey School knew rates would be going up.” says Smithers Councillor Phil Brieneese  “The Northern Hockey School is considered as a commercial entity and we presented them a phase-in period to adjust to the cost. This year, they will pay that full commercial rate.”
The phase-in period started at around $90/hr, increasing to roughly $140/hr, and now prices will be closer to the $200/hr range which is on a 2-year span is over a 100% cost increase. The Northern Hockey school proposal was to see that increase take place over 5 years at a 6% increase per season.”
Although the gradual increase would be ideal, that grace period was rejected by Smithers Council and will not be discussed any further.
“We can’t offer a discounted rate as a Council,” says Brienesse “if we offered one rate to a particular group, it would have to apply to all commercial entities at that price. It would be illegal to assist just one business with a discounted rate.”
Davies says although the ice fees going up is a hard pill to swallow, it won’t impact the quality of the Northern Hockey School.
“The service and level of excellence will not change. As of now, it’s too early to tell whether or not prices will go up for the school next year. We will have to wait and see how things play out cost wise in the future.”